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Blood and Desperation Blood and Desperation

Aaron Strumpel returns human struggle to the Psalms.

Andy Whitman | posted 7/08/2009 09:07AM

Musical settings of the Psalms have existed for as long as, well, the Psalms themselves. After all, they were the ancient Israelites' hymnbook. But in the hands of many contemporary musicians, the Psalms ...

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Jeffrey Overstreet

Posted: July 16, 2009 6:12 PM

This is the most exciting album I've heard this year. Every time I listen, I discover new sounds and ideas. It's the kind of creativity that can only be achieved in an environment where spontaneity, authenticity, and imagination are encouraged. By breaking out of formulaic praise-anthem structures, Strumpel and his collaborators have found a powerful expression of longing, heartbreak, and hope. And yet, for all of their invention, they're participating in the Great Prayers raised by the original Psalmists. I put on this album during my morning and evening commutes, and it transforms the drive into a some meaningful communion with God.

Michael

Posted: July 09, 2009 8:24 PM


The album is with out a doubt one of the best worship albums released this year. Not for some churchy worship service but for that behind closed doors let God touch you in your room kind of worship...

Love Is Concrete

Posted: July 09, 2009 10:59 AM


There's a growing network of creative artists with community that are taking a stab at hard stuff through song, story and play. Come and hang out with us! Right now, we're sharing resources from Aaron, Hermas Zopoula, Welcome Wagon, Agents of Future, Soul Junk, Mike Crawford and his Secret Siblings and Bifrost Arts.

Tom Tomshany

Posted: July 08, 2009 3:36 PM


Wow! You've really made me want to hear Elephants. Excellent review! I'm looking forward to listening to the music: Authentic spiritual struggles must deal with "blood," hope, AND hopelessness! The Psalms, at their best, always do so.

Kenny Johnson

Posted: July 08, 2009 12:09 PM

Definitely not for everyone, but I'm intrigued. I've listened to some samples and some of the free streaming from Aaron's website. He uses his music and voice to really help convey emotion. There are parts that remind me of Sufjan Stevens. If you're looking for something easy to digest, this is not it! Not sure if I'll purchase or not, but this is a step in the right direction for music with Christian themes -- raw, honest, heartfelt, and most of all original.

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